‘There could be an argument that all medical students should have at least some rural clinical experience. Certainly that’s provided the basis for the development of rural-based medical schools and schools that have a specific mission or mandate focused on graduating doctors for rural practice.’ Professor Roger Strasser

Introduced by Professor Geoffrey Hudson, this volume comprises edited transcripts of two Witness Seminars held in 2010 and 2015 on the history and development of rural medicine. Participants in London and others world-wide contributing via video link, addressed the development of the curriculum for teaching rural and remote medicine; the importance of community involvement; and the growth of national and international networks and organizations. Discussion also included: the impact of specialization; professional identity and status; the relationship to other health professions; technological developments; and the challenges of isolation.

‘A period in rural medicine actually sets you up to be an excellent practitioner, probably quite academically attuned, because you have to observe and record and interact with what’s going on locally.’ Professor Richard Hays